Ofgem selects preferred bidder for Walney Extension link

Walney Extension turbines at sunset. Source: Ørsted A/S

March 14 (Renewables Now) - UK energy regulator Ofgem announced today it has chosen the Diamond Transmission Partners (DTP) consortium as the preferred bidder to own and operate the offshore transmission link to the 659-MW Walney Extension wind farm in the Irish Sea.

This is the fourth successful bid by the partnership in tenders that are part of the offshore transmission owner (OFTO) regime. It was also previously chosen to own and operate the links to the 258-MW Burbo Bank Extension, 573-MW Race Bank and 353-MW Galloper wind parks.

HICL said separately it estimates the consideration for its 40% share of the economic interest in the Walney OFTO at about GBP 23 million (USD 30m/EUR 27m). The infrastructure investor expects the acquisition to be completed towards the end of the year.